Clear Semi-Crystalline Articles with Improved Heat Resistance

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a clear, semicrystalline article comprising a polyester comprising terephthalic acid residues as the dicarboxylic acid component, and 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues and 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues as the glycol component. The article may be in the form of a film or sheet, a bottle, or a fiber. The article, when produced by a process involving strain-induced crystallization, is characterized with high crystallinity.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to clear semi-crystallinearticles made from polyesters comprising terephthalic acid, or an esterthereof, or mixtures thereof; 1 to 15 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues and 85 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues. These polyesters have a surprisingcombination of a certain crystallization rate along with a certainmelting temperatures (Tm) and certain glass transition temperatures(Tg). These polyesters are useful in preparing clear semi-crystallinearticles with improved heat resistance by strain induced crystallizationprocesses known in the art.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To date, copolyester compositions comprising terephthalic acid or anester thereof or mixtures thereof,2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (TMCD) residues and1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) residues have been focused primarilyfor use in the injection molding and extrusion of amorphous articleseven in relatively thick parts due to slow crystallization rates. Theseslow crystallization rates are achieved by modifying the polyester(PCT), which is based on terephthalic acid (TPA) or ester thereof suchas dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), or mixture thereof, and CHDM (70/30trans/cis) with TMCD at levels greater than 20 mole percent of the diolfraction.

On the other hand, unmodified PCT is known to crystallize extremely fastmaking it extremely difficult to mold or extrude even thin parts withoutthermal crystallization. Thermal crystallization of PCT and otherpolyesters typically leads to opacity in parts.

In order to slow down the crystallization rate of PCT, additionaldicarboxylic acids or glycols can be used to modify PCT in order to slowdown the crystallization rate. In particular, ethylene glycol orisophthalic acid-modified PCTs are known in the art and are commerciallyavailable. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or slightly modified PET'shave been proven useful in clear semi-crystalline articles such as softdrink bottles, oriented films, and oriented fibers. These articles fromPET are prepared by processes that take advantage of PET's ability tostrain induce crystallize above Tg from an amorphous state. These PETshave slower thermal crystallization rates than unmodified PCT allowingthem to be used in such processes.

In order to achieve similar crystallization rates to PET, PCT has to bemodified with certain levels, approximately 15 to 30 mole % of the diolfraction coming from ethylene glycol or 15 to 30 mole % of the acidfraction coming from isophthalic acid. This results in modified PCTmaterials with melting temperatures (Tm) and glass transitiontemperatures (Tg) similar to PET (Tm=˜240° C., Tg=˜80° C.). Given thesimilar Tm and Tg to PET, these modified PCT materials provide littlebenefit in terms of heat resistance compared to PET and are typicallymore costly to produce.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a modification of PCT that slowsdown the thermal crystallization rate enough, similar to PET, to permitthe molding of amorphous articles and extrusion of amorphous films thatcan be subsequently strain induced crystallized by orientation processesknown in the art such as fiber drawing, film stretching, stretch blowmolding, injection stretch blow molding and the like, to produce clearsemi-crystalline articles with superior heat resistance (higher Tg andhigher Tm) to clear semi-crystalline articles from PCT modified byethylene glycol or isophthalic acid or PET.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We have surprisingly found a range of TMCD modification of PCT thatslows down the crystallization rate enough to permit the molding ofarticles and extrusion of films without thermal crystallizationoccurring yet still allows for strain induced crystallinity to occurabove Tg in various orientation based processes allowing for productionof clear semi-crystalline articles with improved heat resistancecompared to PCT modified by ethylene glycol or isophthalic acid and PET.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,oriented article comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,oriented article comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,oriented article comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g        as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a        concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the        polyester has a Tg of 90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization        half-time of less than 10 minutes but greater than about 30        seconds. In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear,        semi-crystalline article comprising at least one polyester which        comprises:-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,oriented article comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,oriented article comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g        as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a        concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the        polyester has a Tg of 90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization        half-time of less than 10 minutes but greater than about 30        seconds.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,strain induced crystallized article comprising at least one polyesterwhich comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,strain induced crystallized, oriented article comprising at least onepolyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline, straininduced crystallized, oriented article produced by strain inducedcrystallization processes comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,strain induced crystallized article comprising at least one polyesterwhich comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,strain induced crystallized, oriented article comprising at least onepolyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,strain induced crystallized article comprising at least one polyesterwhich comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,strain induced crystallized, oriented article comprising at least onepolyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline, straininduced crystallized, oriented article produced by strain inducedcrystallization processes comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g        as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a        concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and        wherein the polyester has a Tg of 90° C. to 115° C. and a        crystallization half-time of less than 10 minutes but greater        than about 30 seconds.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,oriented, strain induced crystallized article comprising at least onepolyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,strain induced crystallized article comprising at least one polyesterwhich comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,oriented, strain induced crystallized article comprising at least onepolyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.; and

wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of greater thanzero when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.; and

wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of greater thanzero to 50 when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of thepolyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.; and

wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 5% to50% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.; and

wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 5% to45% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.; and

wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 5% to40% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.; and

wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 8% to35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,oriented article comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.;

wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 8% to35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.;

wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 8% to35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes;

wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 8% to35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,oriented article comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes; and

wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 8% to35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,oriented article comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,oriented article comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes; and

wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 8% to35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature 10° C. above the Tg of        the polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,oriented article comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %;        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds; and

wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 8% to35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,strain induced crystallized article comprising at least one polyesterwhich comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,strain induced crystallized, oriented article comprising at least onepolyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline, straininduced crystallized, oriented article produced by strain inducedcrystallization processes comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C.; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,strain induced crystallized article comprising at least one polyesterwhich comprises:

-   -   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:        -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;    -   (b) a glycol component comprising:        -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol            residues; and        -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,            wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component            is 100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component            is 100 mole %; and            wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as            determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a            concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the            polyester has a Tg of 90° C. to 115° C. and a            crystallization half-time of less than 10 minutes; and            wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of            from 8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg            of the polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,strain induced crystallized, oriented article comprising at least onepolyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,strain induced crystallized article comprising at least one polyesterwhich comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,strain induced crystallized, oriented article comprising at least onepolyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline, straininduced crystallized, oriented article produced by strain inducedcrystallization processes comprising at least one polyester whichcomprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 1 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g        as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a        concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and        wherein the polyester has a Tg of 90° C. to 115° C. and a        crystallization half-time of less than 10 minutes but greater        than about 30 seconds; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystallinearticle comprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,oriented, strain induced crystallized article comprising at least onepolyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,strain induced crystallized article comprising at least one polyesterwhich comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear, semi-crystalline,oriented, strain induced crystallized article comprising at least onepolyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a clear semi-crystalline,oriented article produced by strain induced crystallization processescomprising at least one polyester which comprises:

-   (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising:    -   i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues;-   (b) a glycol component comprising:    -   i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol        residues; and    -   ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues,        wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is        100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100        mole %; and        wherein the inherent viscosity is 0.35 to 1.0 dL/g as determined        in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of        0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein the polyester has a Tg of        90° C. to 115° C. and a crystallization half-time of less than        10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds; and        wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from        8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the        polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of greater than zero when stretched at atemperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of from 5% to 50% when stretched at atemperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of from 5% to 45% when stretched at atemperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of from 5% to 40% when stretched at atemperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of from 5% to 35% when stretched at atemperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of greater than zero when stretched at atemperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of from 5% to 50% when stretched at atemperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of from 5% to 45% when stretched at atemperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of from 5% to 40% when stretched at atemperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of from 5% to 35% when stretched at atemperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of greater than zero when stretched at atemperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of from 5% to 50% when stretched at atemperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of from 5% to 45% when stretched at atemperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of from 5% to 40% when stretched at atemperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of from 5% to 35% when stretched at atemperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the articles of the invention have astrain induced crystallinity of from 8% to 35% when stretched at atemperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 8% to 35% when stretched at atemperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 35% when stretched at atemperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 35% when stretched at atemperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 30% when stretched at atemperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 30% when stretched at atemperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one aspect, the clear semi-crystalline article can comprise thepolyester of the invention having a crystallization half-time of lessthan 10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds.

In another aspect, the clear semi-crystalline article of the inventioncan comprise the polyester of the invention having a melting temperature(Tm) from 260° C. to 300° C.

In another aspect, the clear semi-crystalline article of the inventioncan comprise the polyester of the invention having a glass transitiontemperature (Tg) from 90° C. to 115° C.

In another aspect, the clear semi-crystalline article of the inventioncan comprise the polyester of the invention having a fastestcrystallization half-time of less than 10 minutes but greater than aboutseconds.

In another aspect, the clear semi-crystalline article of the inventioncan comprise the polyester of the invention having a fastestcrystallization half-time of less than 10 minutes but greater than aboutseconds and a melting temperature from 260° C. to 300° C.

In another aspect, the clear semi-crystalline article of the inventioncan comprise the polyester of the invention having a fastestcrystallization half-time of less than 10 minutes but greater than aboutseconds and a glass transition temperature from 90° C. to 115° C.

In another aspect, the clear semi-crystalline article of the inventioncan comprise the polyester of the invention having a fastestcrystallization half-time of less than 10 minutes but greater than aboutseconds, a glass transition temperature from 90° C. to 115° C., and amelting temperature from 260° C. to 300° C.

In one aspect, the polyesters useful in the invention contain nobranching agent or, alternatively, at least one branching agent is addedeither prior to or during polymerization of the polyester.

In one aspect, the polyesters useful in the invention contain at leastone branching agent without regard to the method or sequence in which itis added.

In one aspect, the polyester compositions are useful in clearsemi-crystalline articles of manufacture, prepared by orientationprocesses known in the industry, including but not limited to, blownbottles, oriented films and oriented fibers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the effect of comonomer on the fastest crystallizationhalf-times of copolyesters containing terephthalic acid,cyclohexanedimethanol and another monomer (modified PCT copolyesters)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of certain embodiments of the inventionand the working examples. In accordance with the purpose(s) of thisinvention, certain embodiments of the invention are described in theSummary of the Invention and are further described herein below. Also,other embodiments of the invention are described herein.

The term “polyester”, as used herein, is intended to include“copolyesters” and is understood to mean a synthetic polymer prepared bythe reaction of one or more difunctional carboxylic acids and/ormultifunctional carboxylic acids with one or more difunctional hydroxylcompounds and/or multifunctional hydroxyl compounds. Typically thedifunctional carboxylic acid can be a dicarboxylic acid and thedifunctional hydroxyl compound can be a dihydric alcohol such as, forexample, glycols and diols. The term “glycol” as used in thisapplication includes, but is not limited to, diols, glycols, and/ormultifunctional hydroxyl compounds, for example, branching agents.Alternatively, the difunctional carboxylic acid may be a hydroxycarboxylic acid such as, for example, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and thedifunctional hydroxyl compound may be an aromatic nucleus bearing 2hydroxyl substituents such as, for example, hydroquinone. The term“residue”, as used herein, means any organic structure incorporated intoa polymer through a polycondensation and/or an esterification reactionfrom the corresponding monomer. The term “repeating unit”, as usedherein, means an organic structure having a dicarboxylic acid residueand a diol residue bonded through a carbonyloxy group. Thus, forexample, the dicarboxylic acid residues may be derived from adicarboxylic acid monomer or its associated acid halides, esters, salts,anhydrides, or mixtures thereof. As used herein, therefore, the termdicarboxylic acid is intended to include dicarboxylic acids and anyderivative of a dicarboxylic acid, including its associated acidhalides, esters, half-esters, salts, half-salts, anhydrides, mixedanhydrides, or mixtures thereof, useful in a reaction process with adiol to make polyester. Furthermore, as used in this application, theterm “diacid” includes multifunctional acids, for example, branchingagents. As used herein, the term “terephthalic acid” is intended toinclude terephthalic acid itself and residues thereof as well as anyderivative of terephthalic acid, including its associated acid halides,esters, half-esters, salts, half-salts, anhydrides, mixed anhydrides, ormixtures thereof or residues thereof useful in a reaction process with adiol to make polyester.

In one embodiment, terephthalic acid may be used as the startingmaterial. In another embodiment, dimethyl terephthalate may be used asthe starting material. In yet another embodiment, mixtures ofterephthalic acid and dimethyl terephthalate may be used as the startingmaterial and/or as an intermediate material.

The polyesters used in the present invention typically can be preparedfrom dicarboxylic acids and diols which react in substantially equalproportions and are incorporated into the polyester polymer as theircorresponding residues. The polyesters of the present invention,therefore, can contain substantially equal molar proportions of acidresidues (100 mole %) and diol (and/or multifunctional hydroxylcompounds) residues (100 mole %) such that the total moles of repeatingunits is equal to 100 mole %. The mole percentages provided in thepresent disclosure, therefore, may be based on the total moles of acidresidues, the total moles of diol residues, or the total moles ofrepeating units. For example, a polyester containing 30 mole %isophthalic acid, based on the total acid residues, means the polyestercontains 30 mole % isophthalic acid residues out of a total of 100 mole% acid residues. Thus, there are 30 moles of isophthalic acid residuesamong every 100 moles of acid residues. In another example, a polyestercontaining 15 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, based onthe total diol residues, means the polyester contains 15 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues out of a total of 100mole % diol residues. Thus, there are 15 moles of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues among every 100 molesof diol residues.

In other aspects of the invention, the Tg of the polyesters useful inthe invention can be at least one of the following ranges: 90 to 115°C.; 90 to 110° C.; 90 to 105° C.; 90 to 100° C.; 90 to 95° C.; 95 to115° C.; 95 to 110° C.; 95 to 105° C.; 95 to 100° C.; 100 to 115° C.;100 to 110° C.; 100 to 105° C.; 105 to 115° C.; 105 to 110° C.; and 110to 115° C.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the invention include but are not limited to atleast one of the following combinations of ranges: 1 to 15 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 85 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 14 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 86 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 13 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 87 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 12 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 88 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 11 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 89 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 10 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 90 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 9 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 91 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 8 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 92 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 7 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 93 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 6 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 94 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 5 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 95 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 4 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 96 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; 1 to 3 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 97 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 1 to 2 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 98 to 99 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

In other aspects of the invention, the glycol component for thepolyesters useful in the film or sheet of the invention include but arenot limited to at least one of the following combinations of ranges: 5to 15 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 85 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and 5 to 10 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and 90 to 95 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

For certain embodiments of the invention, the polyesters useful in theinvention may exhibit at least one of the following inherent viscositiesas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.: 0.10 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.10 to 1.1dL/g; 0.10 to 1 dL/g; 0.10 to less than 1 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.10to 0.95 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.90 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.80 dL/g;0.10 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.10 to less than 0.75 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.10to 0.70 dL/g; 0.10 to less than 0.70 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.10 toless than 0.68 dL/g; 0.10 to 0.65 dL/g; 0.20 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.20 to 1.1dL/g; 0.20 to 1 dL/g; 0.20 to less than 1 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.20to 0.95 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.90 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.80 dL/g;0.20 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.20 to less than 0.75 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.20to 0.70 dL/g; 0.20 to less than 0.70 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.20 toless than 0.68 dL/g; 0.20 to 0.65 dL/g; 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.35 to 1.1dL/g; 0.35 to 1 dL/g; 0.35 to less than 1 dL/g; 0.35 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.35to 0.95 dL/g; 0.35 to 0.90 dL/g; 0.35 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.35 to 0.80 dL/g;0.35 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.35 to less than 0.75 dL/g; 0.35 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.35to 0.70 dL/g; 0.35 to less than 0.70 dL/g; 0.35 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.35 toless than 0.68 dL/g; 0.35 to 0.65 dL/g; 0.40 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.40 to 1.1dL/g; 0.40 to 1 dL/g; 0.40 to less than 1 dL/g; 0.40 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.40to 0.95 dL/g; 0.40 to 0.90 dL/g; 0.40 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.40 to 0.80 dL/g;0.40 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.40 to less than 0.75 dL/g; 0.40 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.40to 0.70 dL/g; 0.40 to less than 0.70 dL/g; 0.40 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.40 toless than 0.68 dL/g; 0.40 to 0.65 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 1.2 dL/g;greater than 0.42 to 1.1 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 1 dL/g; greater than0.42 to less than 1 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 0.98 dL/g; greater than0.42 to 0.95 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 0.90 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to0.85 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 0.80 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to 0.75dL/g; greater than 0.42 to less than 0.75 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to0.72 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to less than 0.70 dL/g; greater than 0.42to 0.68 dL/g; greater than 0.42 to less than 0.68 dL/g; and greater than0.42 to 0.65 dL/g.

For certain embodiments of the invention, the polyesters useful in theinvention may exhibit at least one of the following inherent viscositiesas determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at aconcentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.: 0.45 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.45 to 1.1dL/g; 0.45 to 1 dL/g; 0.45 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.45 to 0.95 dL/g; 0.45 to 0.90dL/g; 0.45 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.45 to 0.80 dL/g; 0.45 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.45 toless than 0.75 dL/g; 0.45 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.45 to 0.70 dL/g; 0.45 to lessthan 0.70 dL/g; 0.45 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.45 to less than 0.68 dL/g; 0.45 to0.65 dL/g; 0.50 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.50 to 1.1 dL/g; 0.50 to 1 dL/g; 0.50 toless than 1 dL/g; 0.50 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.50 to 0.95 dL/g; 0.50 to 0.90dL/g; 0.50 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.50 to 0.80 dL/g; 0.50 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.50 toless than 0.75 dL/g; 0.50 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.50 to 0.70 dL/g; 0.50 to lessthan 0.70 dL/g; 0.50 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.50 to less than 0.68 dL/g; 0.50 to0.65 dL/g; 0.55 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.55 to 1.1 dL/g; 0.55 to 1 dL/g; 0.55 toless than 1 dL/g; 0.55 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.55 to 0.95 dL/g; 0.55 to 0.90dL/g; 0.55 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.55 to 0.80 dL/g; 0.55 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.55 toless than 0.75 dL/g; 0.55 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.55 to 0.70 dL/g; 0.55 to lessthan 0.70 dL/g; 0.55 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.55 to less than 0.68 dL/g; 0.55 to0.65 dL/g; 0.58 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.58 to 1.1 dL/g; 0.58 to 1 dL/g; 0.58 toless than 1 dL/g; 0.58 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.58 to 0.95 dL/g; 0.58 to 0.90dL/g; 0.58 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.58 to 0.80 dL/g; 0.58 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.58 toless than 0.75 dL/g; 0.58 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.58 to 0.70 dL/g; 0.58 to lessthan 0.70 dL/g; 0.58 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.58 to less than 0.68 dL/g; 0.58 to0.65 dL/g; 0.60 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.60 to 1.1 dL/g; 0.60 to 1 dL/g; 0.60 toless than 1 dL/g; 0.60 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.60 to 0.95 dL/g; 0.60 to 0.90dL/g; 0.60 to 0.85 dL/g; 0.60 to 0.80 dL/g; 0.60 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.60 toless than 0.75 dL/g; 0.60 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.60 to 0.70 dL/g; 0.60 to lessthan 0.70 dL/g; 0.60 to 0.68 dL/g; 0.60 to less than 0.68 dL/g; 0.60 to0.65 dL/g; 0.65 to 1.2 dL/g; 0.65 to 1.1 dL/g; 0.65 to 1 dL/g; 0.65 toless than 1 dL/g; 0.65 to 0.98 dL/g; 0.65 to 0.95 du/g; 0.65 to 0.90dL/g; 0.65 to 0.85 du/g; 0.65 to 0.80 dL/g; 0.65 to 0.75 dL/g; 0.65 toless than 0.75 dL/g; 0.65 to 0.72 dL/g; 0.65 to 0.70 dL/g; or 0.65 toless than 0.70 dL/g; It is contemplated that the polyester compositionsof the invention can possess at least one of the inherent viscosityranges described herein and at least one of the monomer ranges for thecompositions described herein unless otherwise stated. It is alsocontemplated that the polyester compositions of the invention can possesat least one of the Tg ranges described herein and at least one of themonomer ranges for the compositions described herein unless otherwisestated. It is also contemplated that the polyester compositions of theinvention can posses at least one of the Tg ranges described herein, atleast one of the inherent viscosity ranges described herein, and atleast one of the monomer ranges for the compositions described hereinunless otherwise stated.

For the desired polyester, the molar ratio of cis/trans2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol can vary from the pure form ofeach or mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the molar percentagesfor cis and/or trans 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol are greaterthan 50 mole % cis and less than 50 mole % trans; or greater than 55mole % cis and less than 45 mole % trans; or 30 to 70 mole % cis and 70to 30% trans; or 40 to 60 mole % cis and 60 to 40 mole % trans; or 50 to70 mole % trans and 50 to 30 mole % cis; or 50 to 70 mole % cis and 50to 30% trans or 60 to 70 mole % cis and 30 to 40 mole % trans; orgreater than 70 mole % cis and less than 30 mole % trans; wherein thetotal sum of the mole percentages for cis- andtrans-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol is equal to 100 mole %.The molar ratio of cis/trans 1,4-cyclohexandimethanol can vary withinthe range of 50/50 to 0/100, for example, between 40/60 to 20/80.

In certain embodiments, terephthalic acid, or an ester thereof, such as,for example, dimethyl terephthalate, or a mixture of terephthalic acidand an ester thereof, makes up most or all of the dicarboxylic acidcomponent used to form the polyesters useful in the invention. Incertain embodiments, terephthalic acid residues can make up a portion orall of the dicarboxylic acid component used to form the presentpolyester at a concentration of at least 70 mole %, such as at least 80mole %, at least 90 mole %, at least 95 mole %, at least 99 mole %, orthe preferred embodiment of 100 mole %. In certain embodiments,polyesters with higher amounts of terephthalic acid can be used in orderto produce higher impact strength properties. For purposes of thisdisclosure, the terms “terephthalic acid” and “dimethyl terephthalateare used interchangeably herein. In one embodiment, dimethylterephthalate is part or all of the dicarboxylic acid component used tomake the polyesters useful in the present invention. In all embodiments,ranges of from 70 to 100 mole %; or 80 to 100 mole %; or 90 to 100 mole%; or 99 to 100 mole %; or 100 mole % terephthalic acid and/or dimethylterephthalate and/or mixtures thereof may be used.

In addition to terephthalic acid residues, the dicarboxylic acidcomponent of the polyesters useful in the invention can comprise up to30 mole %, up to 20 mole %, up to 10 mole %, up to 5 mole %, or up to 1mole % of one or more modifying aromatic dicarboxylic acids. Thepreferred embodiment contains 0 mole % modifying aromatic dicarboxylicacids. Thus, if present, it is contemplated that the amount of one ormore modifying aromatic dicarboxylic acids can range from any of thesepreceding endpoint values including, for example, from 0.01 to 30 mole%, from 0.01 to 20 mole %, from 0.01 to 10 mole %, from 0.01 to 5 mole%, or from 0.01 to 1 mole % of one or more modifying aromaticdicarboxylic acids. In one embodiment, modifying aromatic dicarboxylicacids that may be used in the present invention include but are notlimited to those having up to 20 carbon atoms, and that can be linear,para-oriented, or symmetrical. Examples of modifying aromaticdicarboxylic acids which may be used in this invention include, but arenot limited to, isophthalic acid, 4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid, 1,4-,1,5-, 2,6-, 2,7-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, andtrans-4,4′-stilbenedicarboxylic acid, and esters thereof. In oneembodiment, isophthalic acid is the modifying aromatic dicarboxylicacid. The preferred embodiment of the invention is for 100% of thedicarboxylic acid component based on terephthalic acid residues.

The carboxylic acid component of the polyesters useful in the inventioncan be further modified with up to 10 mole %, such as up to 5 mole % orup to 1 mole % of one or more aliphatic dicarboxylic acids containing2-16 carbon atoms, such as, for example, malonic, succinic, glutaric,adipic, pimelic, suberic, azelaic and dodecanedioic dicarboxylic acids.Certain embodiments can also comprise 0.01 or more mole %, such as 0.1or more mole %, 1 or more mole %, 5 or more mole %, or 10 or more mole %of one or more modifying aliphatic dicarboxylic acids. The preferredembodiment contains 0 mole % modifying aliphatic dicarboxylic acids.Thus, if present, it is contemplated that the amount of one or moremodifying aliphatic dicarboxylic acids can range from any of thesepreceding endpoint values including, for example, from 0.01 to 10 mole %and from 0.1 to 10 mole %. The total mole % of the dicarboxylic acidcomponent is 100 mole %.

Esters of terephthalic acid and the other modifying dicarboxylic acidsor their corresponding esters and/or salts may be used instead of thedicarboxylic acids. Suitable examples of dicarboxylic acid estersinclude, but are not limited to, the dimethyl, diethyl, dipropyl,diisopropyl, dibutyl, and diphenyl esters. In one embodiment, the estersare chosen from at least one of the following: methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl, and phenyl esters.

The 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol may be cis, trans, or a mixture thereof,for example, a cis/trans ratio of 60:40 to 40:60. In another embodiment,the trans-1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol can be present in the amount of 60to 80 mole %.

The glycol component of the polyester portion of the polyestercompositions useful in the invention can contain 14 mole % or less ofone or more modifying glycols which are not2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol or 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; inanother embodiment, the polyesters useful in the invention can contain10 mole % or less of one or more modifying glycols. In anotherembodiment, the polyesters useful in the invention can contain 5 mole %or less of one or more modifying glycols. In another embodiment, thepolyesters useful in the invention can contain 3 mole % or less of oneor more modifying glycols. In the preferred embodiment, the polyestersuseful in the invention may contain 0 mole % modifying glycols. Certainembodiments can also contain 0.01 or more mole %, such as 0.1 or moremole %, 1 or more mole %, 5 or more mole %, or 10 or more mole % of oneor more modifying glycols. Thus, if present, it is contemplated that theamount of one or more modifying glycols can range from any of thesepreceding endpoint values including, for example, from 0.1 to 10 mole %.

Modifying glycols useful in the polyesters useful in the invention referto diols other than 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and may contain 2 to 16 carbon atoms. Examplesof suitable modifying glycols include, but are not limited to, ethyleneglycol, diethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, neopentylglycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, p-xylene glycolor mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the modifying glycol is ethyleneglycol. In another embodiment, the modifying glycols include but are notlimited to 1,3-propanediol and/or 1,4-butanediol. In another embodiment,ethylene glycol is excluded as a modifying diol. In another embodiment,1,3-propanediol and 1,4-butanediol are excluded as modifying diols. Inanother embodiment, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol is excluded as amodifying diol. The polyesters useful the invention can comprise from 0to 10 mole percent, for example, from 0.01 to 5 mole percent, from 0.01to 1 mole percent, from 0.05 to 5 mole percent, from 0.05 to 1 molepercent, or from 0.1 to 0.7 mole percent, or 0.1 to 0.5 mole percent,based the total mole percentages of either the diol or diacid residues;respectively, of one or more residues of a branching monomer, alsoreferred to herein as a branching agent, having 3 or more carboxylsubstituents, hydroxyl substituents, or a combination thereof. Incertain embodiments, the branching monomer or agent may be added priorto and/or during and/or after the polymerization of the polyester. Thepolyester(s) useful in the invention can thus be linear or branched. Incertain embodiments, the branching monomer or agent may be added priorto and/or during and/or after the polymerization.

Examples of branching monomers include, but are not limited to,multifunctional acids or multifunctional alcohols such as trimelliticacid, trimellitic anhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride,trimethylolpropane, glycerol, pentaerythritol, citric acid, tartaricacid, 3-hydroxyglutaric acid and the like. In one embodiment, thebranching monomer residues can comprise 0.1 to 0.7 mole percent of oneor more residues chosen from at least one of the following: trimelliticanhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, glycerol, sorbitol,1,2,6-hexanetriol, pentaerythritol, trimethylolethane, and/or trimesicacid. The branching monomer may be added to the polyester reactionmixture or blended with the polyester in the form of a concentrate asdescribed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,654,347 and 5,696,176, whosedisclosure regarding branching monomers is incorporated herein byreference.

The polyesters useful in the invention can be made by processes knownfrom the literature such as, for example, by processes in homogenoussolution, by transesterification processes in the melt, and by two phaseinterfacial processes. Suitable methods include, but are not limited to,the steps of reacting one or more dicarboxylic acids with one or moreglycols at a temperature of 100° C. to 315° C. at a pressure of 0.1 to760 mm Hg for a time sufficient to form a polyester. See U.S. Pat. No.3,772,405 for methods of producing polyesters, the disclosure regardingsuch methods is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a process for producing apolyester. The process comprises:

-   -   (I) heating a mixture comprising the monomers useful in any of        the polyesters useful in the invention in the presence of a        catalyst at a temperature of 150 to 240° C. for a time        sufficient to produce an initial polyester;    -   (II) heating the initial polyester of step (I) at a temperature        of 240 to 320° C. for 1 to 4 hours; and

(III) removing any unreacted glycols.

Suitable catalysts for use in this process include, but are not limitedto, organo-zinc or tin compounds. The use of this type of catalyst iswell known in the art. Examples of catalysts useful in the presentinvention include, but are not limited to, zinc acetate, butyltintris-2-ethylhexanoate, dibutyltin diacetate, and/or dibutyltin oxide.Other catalysts may include, but are not limited to, those based ontitanium, zinc, manganese, lithium, germanium, and cobalt. Catalystamounts can range from 10 ppm to 20,000 ppm or 10 to 10,000 ppm, or to5000 ppm or 10 to 1000 ppm or 10 to 500 ppm, or 10 to 300 ppm or 10 to250 based on the catalyst metal and based on the weight of the finalpolymer. The process can be carried out in either a batch or continuousprocess.

Typically, step (I) can be carried out until 50% by weight or more ofthe 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol has been reacted. Step (I)may be carried out under pressure, ranging from atmospheric pressure to100 psig. The term “reaction product” as used in connection with any ofthe catalysts useful in the invention refers to any product of apolycondensation or esterification reaction with the catalyst and any ofthe monomers used in making the polyester as well as the product of apolycondensation or esterification reaction between the catalyst and anyother type of additive.

Typically, Step (II) and Step (III) can be conducted at the same time.These steps can be carried out by methods known in the art such as byplacing the reaction mixture under a pressure ranging from 0.002 psig tobelow atmospheric pressure, or by blowing hot nitrogen gas over themixture.

The polyesters useful in this invention can also be prepared by reactivemelt blending and extrusion of two polyesters. For example: a polyestercontaining 100% terephthalic acid residues; 10 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues, and 90 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol can be prepared by reactive melt blending andextrusion of equal amounts of a polyester containing 100 mole %terephthalic residues and 100% 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol with anotherpolyester containing 100 mole % terephthalic residues; 80 mole %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, and 20 mole %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues.

The polyesters of this invention, prepared in a reactor or by meltblending/extrusion, can subsequently be crystallized if needed and solidstated by techniques known in the art to further increase the IV.

Strain induced crystallization refers to a phenomenon in which aninitially amorphous solid material undergoes a phase transformation inwhich some amorphous domains are converted to crystalline domains due tothe application of strain. This phenomenon has important effects instrength and fatigue properties.

In one embodiment of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 8% to 35% when stretched at atemperature above the Tg of the polyester.

In one embodiment of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 8% to 35% when stretched at atemperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one embodiment of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 8% to 35% when stretched at atemperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one embodiment of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 35% when stretched at atemperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one embodiment of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 35% when stretched at atemperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one embodiment of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 30% when stretched at atemperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one embodiment of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 30% when stretched at atemperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one embodiment of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 25% when stretched at atemperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one embodiment of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 25% when stretched at atemperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one embodiment of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 15% to 30% when stretched at atemperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In one embodiment of the invention, the article of the invention has astrain induced crystallinity of from 15% to 30% when stretched at atemperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.

In addition, the polyester useful in this invention may also containfrom 0.01 to 25% by weight or 0.01 to 20% by weight or 0.01 to 15% byweight or 0.01 to 10% by weight or 0.01 to 5% by weight of the totalweight of the polyester composition of common additives such ascolorants, dyes, mold release agents, reheat additives, flameretardants, plasticizers, stabilizers, including but not limited to, UVstabilizers, thermal stabilizers and/or reaction products thereof,fillers, and impact modifiers. Examples of typical commerciallyavailable impact modifiers well known in the art and useful in thisinvention include, but are not limited to, ethylene/propyleneterpolymers; functionalized polyolefins, such as those containing methylacrylate and/or glycidyl methacrylate; styrene-based block copolymericimpact modifiers; and various acrylic core/shell type impact modifiers.For example, UV additives can be incorporated into articles ofmanufacture through addition to the bulk, through application of a hardcoat, or through coextrusion of a cap layer. Residues of such additivesare also contemplated as part of the polyester composition.

The polyesters useful in the invention can comprise at least one chainextender. Suitable chain extenders include, but are not limited to,multifunctional (including, but not limited to, bifunctional)isocyanates, multifunctional epoxides, including for example, epoxylatednovolacs, and phenoxy resins. In certain embodiments, chain extendersmay be added at the end of the polymerization process or after thepolymerization process. If added after the polymerization process, chainextenders can be incorporated by compounding or by addition duringconversion processes such as injection molding or extrusion. The amountof chain extender used can vary depending on the specific monomercomposition used and the physical properties desired but is generallyabout 0.1 percent by weight to about 10 percent by weight, preferablyabout 0.1 to about 5 percent by weight, based on the total weight of thepolyester.

Thermal stabilizers are compounds that stabilize polyesters duringpolyester manufacture and/or post polymerization including, but notlimited to, phosphorous compounds including but not limited tophosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, phosphonic acid, phosphinic acid,phosphonous acid, and various esters and salts thereof. These can bepresent in the polyester compositions useful in the invention. Theesters can be alkyl, branched alkyl, substituted alkyl, difunctionalalkyl, alkyl ethers, aryl, and substituted aryl. In one embodiment, thenumber of ester groups present in the particular phosphorous compoundcan vary from zero up to the maximum allowable based on the number ofhydroxyl groups present on the thermal stabilizer used. The term“thermal stabilizer” is intended to include the reaction productsthereof. The term “reaction product” as used in connection with thethermal stabilizers of the invention refers to any product of apolycondensation or esterification reaction between the thermalstabilizer and any of the monomers used in making the polyester as wellas the product of a polycondensation or esterification reaction betweenthe catalyst and any other type of additive.

Reinforcing materials may be useful in the compositions of thisinvention. The reinforcing materials may include, but are not limitedto, carbon filaments, silicates, mica, clay, talc, titanium dioxide,Wollastonite, glass flakes, glass beads and fibers, and polymeric fibersand combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the reinforcing materialsare glass, such as, fibrous glass filaments, mixtures of glass and talc,glass and mica, and glass and polymeric fibers.

The invention further relates to articles of manufacture. These articlesinclude, but are not limited to, injection blow molded articles,injection stretch blow molded articles, extrusion blow molded articles,extrusion stretch blow molded articles, calendered articles, compressionmolded articles, and solution casted articles. Methods of making thearticles of manufacture, include, but are not limited to, extrusion blowmolding, extrusion stretch blow molding, injection blow molding,injection stretch blow molding, calendering, compression molding, andsolution casting.

The invention further relates to the film(s) and/or sheet(s) comprisingthe polyester compositions of the invention. The methods of forming thepolyesters into film(s) and/or sheet(s) are well known in the art.Examples of film(s) and/or sheet(s) of the invention including but notlimited to extruded film(s) and/or sheet(s), calendered film(s) and/orsheet(s), compression molded film(s) and/or sheet(s), solution castedfilm(s) and/or sheet(s). Methods of making film and/or sheet include butare not limited to extrusion, calendering, compression molding, andsolution casting.

Examples of potential articles made from film and/or sheet include, butare not limited, to uniaxially stretched film, biaxially stretched film,shrink film (whether or not uniaxially or biaxially stretched), liquidcrystal display film (including, but not limited to, diffuser sheets,compensation films and protective films), thermoformed sheet, graphicarts film, outdoor signs, skylights, coating(s), coated articles,painted articles, laminates, laminated articles, and/or multiwall filmsor sheets.

As used herein, the abbreviation “wt” means “weight”.

The following examples further illustrate how the compositions of matterof the invention can be made and evaluated, and are intended to bepurely exemplary of the invention and are not intended to limit thescope thereof. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight,temperature is in degrees C. or is at room temperature, and pressure isat or near atmospheric.

EXAMPLES

The inherent viscosity of the polyesters was determined in 60/40 (wt/wt)phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.

The glycol content and the cis/trans ratio of the compositions weredetermined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. AllNMR spectra were recorded on a JEOL Eclipse Plus 600 MHz nuclearmagnetic resonance spectrometer using either chloroform-trifluoroaceticacid (70-30 volume/volume) for polymers or, for oligomeric samples,60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane with deuterated chloroform addedfor lock. Peak assignments for 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediolresonances were made by comparison to model mono- and dibenzoate estersof 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol. These model compoundsclosely approximate the resonance positions found in the polymers andoligomers.

The crystallization half-time, t_(1/2), was determined by measuring thelight transmission of a sample via a laser and photo detector as afunction of time on a temperature controlled hot stage. This measurementwas done by exposing the polymers to a temperature, T_(max), and thencooling it to the desired temperature. The sample was then held at thedesired temperature by a hot stage while transmission measurements weremade as a function of time. Initially, the sample was visually clearwith high light transmission and became opaque as the samplecrystallized. The crystallization half-time was recorded as the time atwhich the light transmission was halfway between the initialtransmission and the final transmission. T_(max) is defined as thetemperature required to melt the crystalline domains of the sample (ifcrystalline domains are present). The T_(max) reported in the examplesbelow represents the temperature at which each sample was heated tocondition the sample prior to crystallization half time measurement. TheT_(max) temperature is dependant on composition and is typicallydifferent for each polyester. For example, PCT may need to be heated tosome temperature greater than 290° C. to melt the crystalline domains.

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed using TAInstruments Model 2920 with a liquid nitrogen cooling accessory. Thesample weight, in the range of 8 to 12 mg, was measured and recorded.Samples were first heated (1^(st) heating scan) from 0 to 320° C. at 20°C./min, followed by cooling to 0° C. at 20° C./min (cooling scan), andthen heated again from 0 to 320° C. at 20° C. min. Various thermalparameters were measured and recorded. ΔH_(cc) (cal/g) is the heat ofcrystallization measured from the cooling scan. T_(cc) is thecrystallization peak temperature on the cooling scan. T_(g) is the glasstransition temperature measured from 2^(nd) heating scan. T_(m) is themelting point measured during the 2^(nd) heating scan. ΔH_(ch1) (cal/g)is the heat of crystallization measured during the 1^(st) heating scan.ΔH_(m1) (cal/g) is the heat of melting measured during the 1^(st)heating scan.

Unless otherwise specified, the cis/trans ratio of the 1,4cyclohexanedimethanol used in the following examples was approximately30/70, and could range from 35/65 to 25/75. Unless otherwise specified,the cis/trans ratio of the 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol usedin the following examples was approximately 50/50.

The following abbreviations apply throughout the working examples andfigures:

TPA Terephthalic acid DMT Dimethyl therephthalate TMCD2,2,4,4-tetramethy-1,3-cyclobutanediol CHDM 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol EGethylene glycol IPA Isophthalic acid

Example 1

This example illustrates that TMCD is more effective at reducing thecrystallization rate of PCT than EG or IPA.

A variety of copolyesters were prepared as described below. Thesecopolyesters were all made with 200 ppm dibutyl tin oxide as thecatalyst in order to minimize the effect of catalyst type andconcentration on nucleation during crystallization studies. Thecis/trans ratio of the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol was 31/69 while thecis/trans ratio of the 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol isreported in Table 1.

For purposes of this example, the samples had sufficiently similarinherent viscosities thereby effectively eliminating this as a variablein the crystallization rate measurements.

Crystallization half-time measurements from the melt were made attemperatures from 140 to 200° C. at 10° C. increments and are reportedin Table 1. The fastest crystallization half-time for each sample wastaken as the minimum value of crystallization half-time as a function oftemperature, typically occurring around 170 to 180° C. The fastestcrystallization half-times for the samples are plotted in FIG. 1 as afunction of mole % comonomer modification to PCT.

The data shows that 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol is moreeffective than ethylene glycol and isophthalic acid at decreasing thecrystallization rate (i.e., increasing the crystallization half-time).In addition, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol increases T_(g) andlowers density.

TABLE 1 Crystallization Half-times (min) at at at at at at at ComonomerIV Density T_(g) T_(max) 140° C. 150° C. 160° C. 170° C. 180° C. 190° C.200° C. Example (mol %)¹ (dl/g) (g/ml) (° C.) (° C.) (min) (min) (min)(min) (min) (min) (min) 1A 20.2% A² 0.630 1.198 87.5 290 2.7 2.1 1.3 1.20.9 1.1 1.5 1B 19.8% B 0.713 1.219 87.7 290 2.3 2.5 1.7 1.4 1.3 1.4 1.71C 20.0% C 0.731 1.188 100.5 290 >180 >60 35.0 23.3 21.7 23.3 25.2 1D40.2% A² 0.674 1.198 81.2 260 18.7 20.0 21.3 25.0 34.0 59.9 96.1 1E34.5% B 0.644 1.234 82.1 260 8.5 8.2 7.3 7.3 8.3 10.0 11.4 1F 40.1% C0.653 1.172 122.0 260 >10 days >5 days >5 days 19204 >5 days >5 days >5days 1G 14.3% D 0.646³ 1.188 103.0 290 55.0 28.8 11.6 6.8 4.8 5.0 5.5 1H15.0% E 0.728⁴ 1.189 99.0 290 25.4 17.1 8.1 5.9 4.3 2.7 5.1 ¹The balanceof the diol component of the polyesters in Table 1 is1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; and the balance of the dicarboxylic acidcomponent of the polyesters in Table 1 is dimethyl terephthalate; if thedicarboxylic acid is not described, it is 100 mole % dimethylterephthalate. ²100 mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. ³A film waspressed from the ground polyester of Example 1G at 240° C. The resultingfilm had an inherent viscosity value of 0.575 dL/g. ⁴A film was pressedfrom the ground polyester of Example 1H at 240° C. The resulting filmhad an inherent viscosity value of 0.0.652 dL/g.where:

-   -   A is Isophthalic Acid    -   B is Ethylene Glycol    -   C is 2,2,4,4-Tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (approx. 50/50        cis/trans)    -   D is 2,2,4,4-Tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (98/2 cis/trans)    -   E is 2,2,4,4-Tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (5/95 cis/trans)

As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 1, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediolis more effective than other comonomers, such ethylene glycol andisophthalic acid, at increasing the crystallization half-time, i.e., thetime required for a polymer to reach half of its maximum crystallinity.By decreasing the crystallization rate of PCT (increasing thecrystallization half-time), amorphous articles based on2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol-modified PCT as described hereinmay be fabricated by methods known in the art. As shown in Table 1,these materials can exhibit higher glass transition temperatures andlower densities than other modified PCT copolyesters.

Preparation of the polyesters shown on Table 1 is described below.

Example 1A

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 80 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 20 mol %dimethyl isophthalate residues, and 100 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanolresidues (28/72 cis/trans).

A mixture of 56.63 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 55.2 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 14.16 g of dimethyl isophthalate, and 0.0419g of dibutyl tin oxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equippedwith an inlet for nitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillationcolumn. The flask was placed in a Wood's metal bath already heated to210° C. The stirring speed was set to 200 RPM throughout the experiment.The contents of the flask were heated at 210° C. for 5 minutes and thenthe temperature was gradually increased to 290° C. over 30 minutes. Thereaction mixture was held at 290° C. for 60 minutes and then vacuum wasgradually applied over the next 5 minutes until the pressure inside theflask reached 100 mm of Hg. The pressure inside the flask was furtherreduced to 0.3 mm of Hg over the next 5 minutes. A pressure of 0.3 mm ofHg was maintained for a total time of 90 minutes to remove excessunreacted diols. A high melt viscosity, visually clear and colorlesspolymer was obtained with a glass transition temperature of 87.5° C. andan inherent viscosity of 0.63 dl/g. NMR analysis showed that the polymerwas composed of 100 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and 20.2mol % dimethyl isophthalate residues.

Example 1B

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 100 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 20 mol %ethylene glycol residues, and 80 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanolresidues (32/68 cis/trans).

A mixture of 77.68 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 50.77 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 27.81 g of ethylene glycol, and 0.0433 g ofdibutyl tin oxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equipped with aninlet for nitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillation column.The flask was placed in a Wood's metal bath already heated to 200° C.The stirring speed was set to 200 RPM throughout the experiment. Thecontents of the flask were heated at 200° C. for 60 minutes and then thetemperature was gradually increased to 210° C. over 5 minutes. Thereaction mixture was held at 210° C. for 120 minutes and then heated upto 280° C. in 30 minutes. Once at 280° C., vacuum was gradually appliedover the next 5 minutes until the pressure inside the flask reached 100mm of Hg. The pressure inside the flask was further reduced to 0.3 mm ofHg over the next 10 minutes. A pressure of 0.3 mm of Hg was maintainedfor a total time of 90 minutes to remove excess unreacted diols. A highmelt viscosity, visually clear and colorless polymer was obtained with aglass transition temperature of 87.7° C. and an inherent viscosity of0.71 dl/g. NMR analysis showed that the polymer was composed of 19.8 mol% ethylene glycol residues.

Example 1C

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 100 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 20 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues, and 80 mol %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues (31/69 cis/trans).

A mixture of 77.68 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 48.46 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 17.86 g of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 0.046 g of dibutyl tinoxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equipped with an inlet fornitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillation column. Thispolyester was prepared in a manner similar to that described in Example1A. A high melt viscosity, visually clear and colorless polymer wasobtained with a glass transition temperature of 100.5° C. and aninherent viscosity of 0.73 dl/g. NMR analysis showed that the polymerwas composed of 80.5 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and 19.5mol % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues.

Example 1D

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 100 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 40 mol %dimethyl isophthalate residues, and 100 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanolresidues (28/72 cis/trans).

A mixture of 42.83 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 55.26 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 28.45 g of dimethyl isophthalate, and 0.0419g of dibutyl tin oxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equippedwith an inlet for nitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillationcolumn. The flask was placed in a Wood's metal bath already heated to210° C. The stirring speed was set to 200 RPM throughout the experiment.The contents of the flask were heated at 210° C. for 5 minutes and thenthe temperature was gradually increased to 290° C. over 30 minutes. Thereaction mixture was held at 29° C. for 60 minutes and then vacuum wasgradually applied over the next 5 minutes until the pressure inside theflask reached 100 mm of Hg. The pressure inside the flask was furtherreduced to 0.3 mm of Hg over the next 5 minutes. A pressure of 0.3 mm ofHg was maintained for a total time of 90 minutes to remove excessunreacted diols. A high melt viscosity, visually clear and colorlesspolymer was obtained with a glass transition temperature of 81.2° C. andan inherent viscosity of 0.67 dl/g. NMR analysis showed that the polymerwas composed of 100 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and 40.2mol % dimethyl isophthalate residues.

Example 1E

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 100 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 40 mol %ethylene glycol residues, and 60 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanolresidues (31/69 cis/trans).

A mixture of 81.3 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 42.85 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 34.44 g of ethylene glycol, and 0.0419 g ofdibutyl tin oxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equipped with aninlet for nitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillation column.The flask was placed in a Wood's metal bath already heated to 200° C.The stirring speed was set to 200 RPM throughout the experiment. Thecontents of the flask were heated at 200° C. for 60 minutes and then thetemperature was gradually increased to 210° C. over 5 minutes. Thereaction mixture was held at 210° C. for 120 minutes and then heated upto 280° C. in 30 minutes. Once at 280° C., vacuum was gradually appliedover the next 5 minutes until the pressure inside the flask reached 100mm of Hg. The pressure inside the flask was further reduced to 0.3 mm ofHg over the next 10 minutes. A pressure of 0.3 mm of Hg was maintainedfor a total time of 90 minutes to remove excess unreacted diols. A highmelt viscosity, visually clear and colorless polymer was obtained with aglass transition temperature of 82.1° C. and an inherent viscosity of0.64 dl/g. NMR analysis showed that the polymer was composed of 34.5 mol% ethylene glycol residues.

Example 1F

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 100 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 40 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues, and 60 mol %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues (31/69 cis/trans).

A mixture of 77.4 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 36.9 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 32.5 g of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 0.046 g of dibutyl tinoxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equipped with an inlet fornitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillation column. The flaskwas placed in a Wood's metal bath already heated to 210° C. The stirringspeed was set to 200 RPM throughout the experiment. The contents of theflask were heated at 210° C. for 3 minutes and then the temperature wasgradually increased to 260° C. over 30 minutes. The reaction mixture washeld at 260° C. for 120 minutes and then heated up to 290° C. in 30minutes. Once at 290° C., vacuum was gradually applied over the next 5minutes until the pressure inside the flask reached 100 mm of Hg. Thepressure inside the flask was further reduced to 0.3 mm of Hg over thenext 5 minutes. A pressure of 0.3 mm of Hg was maintained for a totaltime of 90 minutes to remove excess unreacted diols. A high meltviscosity, visually clear and colorless polymer was obtained with aglass transition temperature of 122° C. and an inherent viscosity of0.65 dl/g. NMR analysis showed that the polymer was composed of 59.9 mol% 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and 40.1 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues.

Example 1G

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 100 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 20 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues (98/2 cis/trans), and80 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues (31/69 cis/trans).

A mixture of 77.68 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 48.46 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 20.77 g of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 0.046 g of dibutyl tinoxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equipped with an inlet fornitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillation column. The flaskwas placed in a Wood's metal bath already heated to 210° C. The stirringspeed was set to 200 RPM throughout the experiment. The contents of theflask were heated at 210° C. for 3 minutes and then the temperature wasgradually increased to 260° C. over 30 minutes. The reaction mixture washeld at 260° C. for 120 minutes and then heated up to 290° C. in 30minutes. Once at 290° C., vacuum was gradually applied over the next 5minutes until the pressure inside the flask reached 100 mm of Hg and thestirring speed was also reduced to 100 RPM. The pressure inside theflask was further reduced to 0.3 mm of Hg over the next 5 minutes andthe stirring speed was reduced to 50 RPM. A pressure of 0.3 mm of Hg wasmaintained for a total time of 60 minutes to remove excess unreacteddiols. A high melt viscosity, visually clear and colorless polymer wasobtained with a glass transition temperature of 103° C. and an inherentviscosity of 0.65 dl/g. NMR analysis showed that the polymer wascomposed of 85.7 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and 14.3 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues.

Example 1H

This example illustrates the preparation of a copolyester with a targetcomposition of 100 mol % dimethyl terephthalate residues, 20 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues (5/95 cis/trans), and80 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues (31/69 cis/trans).

A mixture of 77.68 g of dimethyl terephthalate, 48.46 g of1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 20.77 g of2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 0.046 g of dibutyl tinoxide was placed in a 500-milliliter flask equipped with an inlet fornitrogen, a metal stirrer, and a short distillation column. The flaskwas placed in a Wood's metal bath already heated to 210° C. The stirringspeed was set to 200 RPM at the beginning of the experiment. Thecontents of the flask were heated at 210° C. for 3 minutes and then thetemperature was gradually increased to 260° C. over 30 minutes. Thereaction mixture was held at 260° C. for 120 minutes and then heated upto 290° C. in 30 minutes. Once at 290° C., vacuum was gradually appliedover the next 5 minutes with a set point of 100 mm of Hg and thestirring speed was also reduced to 100 RPM. The pressure inside theflask was further reduced to a set point of 0.3 mm of Hg over the next 5minutes and the stirring speed was reduced to 50 RPM. This pressure wasmaintained for a total time of 60 minutes to remove excess unreacteddiols. It was noted that the vacuum system failed to reach the set pointmentioned above, but produced enough vacuum to produce a high meltviscosity, visually clear and colorless polymer with a glass transitiontemperature of 99° C. and an inherent viscosity of 0.73 dl/g. NMRanalysis showed that the polymer was composed of 85 mol %1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and 15 mol %2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues.

Example 2

This example illustrates that TMCD is more effective at reducing thecrystallization rate of PCT than EG or IPA. This example alsoillustrates the improvements in heat resistance, as measured by T_(m)and T_(g), provided by TMCD modification over EG or IPA modification ofPCT at similar crystallization rates.

Materials were prepared via melt compounding Tritan™ TX1000 (IV=0.72dl/g) with PCT 13787 (IV=0.76 dl/g) at 300° C. on a Sterling 1.5 inchpelletizing single screw extruder at different weight ratios. Tritan™TX1000 and PCT 13787 are produced commercially by Eastman ChemicalCompany. The resulting compositions and IVs are shown as materials A, B,and C in Table 2. A portion of materials A, B, and C were solid statedto higher IVs, materials D, E, and F respectively, in a reactor at 225°C. using nitrogen. Materials G, H, and I are produced commercially byEastman Chemical Company. Materials J and K were produced in a pilotplant at Eastman Chemical Company.

Material G is unmodified PCT. During the cooling scan of the DSC,crystallization releases 10 cal/g of heat (ΔH_(cc)). This corresponds toabout 34% crystallinity being formed during cooling from the melt at320° C. to 0° C. at 20° C. per minute assuming a specific heat of fusionof 29 cal/g. The percent crystallinity formed during cooling iscalculated by equation (1).

$\begin{matrix}{X_{c} = {\frac{\left( {\Delta \; H_{cc}} \right)}{29} \times 100}} & (1)\end{matrix}$

The peak temperature in the crystallization exotherm (T_(cc)) occurs at227° C. for unmodified PCT.

Comonomer modification of PCT will slow down the crystallization rate ofPCT. As a result modified PCT materials will release less heat duringthe cooling from the melt at 320° C. to 0° C. than unmodified PCT. Thedata in Table 2 shows that TMCD is more effective than IPA or EGmodification of PCT at slowing down the crystallization rate asevidenced by a lower ΔH_(cc) on a mole percent modification of PCT. Forexample, unmodified PCT (Material G) releases 10 cal/g during thecooling scan. Modification of PCT with 17 mole % IPA (Material I),results in a slower crystallization rate as evidenced by ΔH_(cc)=8.0cal/g being released during the cooling scan due to crystallization.Modification of PCT with EG, results in a slower crystallization rate asevidenced by ΔH_(cc)=9.0 cal/g for PCT modified by 16.6 mole % EG(Material J) and ΔH_(cc)=5.8 cal/g for PCT modified by 22.6 mole % EG(Material K). In comparison, PCT only needs to be modified byapproximately 5 mole % TMCD (Materials A, D, and E) to slow down thecrystallization rate to achieve a similiar heat release (ΔH_(cc)˜8.0cal/g) during the cooling scan compared with ˜17 mole % modification byEG or IPA. At similar crystallization rates or ΔH_(cc), PCT modified byTMCD have higher melting points (T_(m)) and glass transitiontemperatures (T_(g)) than PCT modified by IPA or EG. For example, atΔH_(cc)˜8.0 cal/g, PCT requires approximately 17 mole % EG or IPAmodification resulting in a Tm˜261° C. and Tg˜89° C. (Materials I, J,and K). At ΔH_(cc)˜8.0 cal/g, PCT requires only about 5 mole % TMCD(Materials A, D, and E) modification resulting in a Tm˜279° C. andTg˜94° C. As a result, the PCT materials modified by TMCD will havebetter heat resistance. T_(cc) is also reduced more effectively for PCTmodified by TMCD than PCT modified by EG or IPA on a mole % basis. Thisis another indicator that TMCD is more effective at slowing down thecrystallization rate of PCT than either EG or IPA on a mole % basis.

TABLE 2 Thermal Properties of Unmodified and Modified PCT Composition byNMR (mole %, IV ΔH_(cc) T_(cc) T_(m) Tg Material comonomer) (dl/g)(cal/g) (° C.) (° C.) (° C.) A 4.4, TMCD 0.73 7.6 203 280 92 B 7.7, TMCD0.72 5.5 184 275 95 C 9.1, TMCD 0.72 3.2 176 270 98 D 4.2, TMCD 0.81 8.3202 279 93 E 6.7, TMCD 0.84 7.9 194 275 98 F 9.7, TMCD 0.85 3.0 175 268100 G 0 0.76 10.0 227 288 93 H 5.0, IPA 0.84 9.3 207 280 92 I 17.0, IPA0.77 8.0 182 262 91 J 16.6, EG 0.69 9.0 189 265 87 K 22.6, EG 0.74 5.8165 257 86

Example 3

This example illustrates that PCT materials modified by TMCD can beextruded as amorphous films and subsequently stretched above Tg tocreate clear semi-crystalline films as a result of strain inducedcrystallinity.

Three modified PCT materials targeting approximately 5, 10, and 15 molepercent TMCD were prepared by melt compounding PCT 13787 and Tritan™TX1000 at different weight ratios at 300° C. on a Sterling 1.5 inchpelletizing single screw extruder. Tritan™ TX1000 and PCT 13787 areproduced commercially by Eastman Chemical Company. The resulting samplesare described in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Materials prepared by melt blending Tritan ™ TX1000 and PCT13787. PCT/TX 1000 Mole % TMCD IV Material Weight Ratio Composition byNMR (dl/g) A ~3/1 4.9 0.72 B ~1/1 10.2 0.72 C ~1/3 15.5 0.71A sample of Material A, B, and C was solid stated, as shown in Table 4,at 225° C. under vacuum (0.5 torr). Materials A, B, and C were alsosolid stated using nitrogen flow at 225° C. These results are shown inTable 5.

TABLE 4 Solid stating of PCT modified by TMCD at 225° C. at 0.5 torr. IVIV IV t = 0 hr t = 6 hr t = 24 hr Material (dl/g) (dl/g) (dl/g) A 0.720.78 0.88 B 0.72 0.80 0.90 C 0.71 0.73 0.86

TABLE 5 Solid stating of PCT modified by TMCD at 225° C. with nitrogen.Mole % Temp Time IV Material TMCD (° C.) (hr) (dl/g) A 4.9 0 0.72 A1 4.9225 5 0.77 A2 4.9 225 11 0.82 A3 4.9 225 17 0.87 B 10.2 0 0.72 B1 10.2225 5 0.74 B2 10.2 225 11 0.76 B3 10.2 225 17 0.84 C 15.5 0 0.71 C1 15.5225 5 0.75 C2 15.5 225 11 0.83 C3 15.5 215 25 0.87

Materials A, A1, A2, A3, B, B1, B2, B3, C, C1, C2, and C3 were extrudedinto 20 mil clear amorphous film using a Killian 1 inch single screwextruder operating at 300° C. The 20 mil (0.51 mm) films were then cutinto 4.5″ squares for stretching in a Bruckner KARO IV Laboratorystretching machine. The grip distances were 110 mm. Films of all thematerials were unaxially stretched to different draw ratios (λ) attemperatures relative to T_(g) (T_(g)+10 and T_(g)+20° C.) and a nominalstrain rate of 100% sec¹. All the stretched films were visually clear.The percentage of strain induced crystallinity (X_(c)) in the stretchedfilms was determined by equation (2) from the first heating scan offilms evaluated in a DSC.

$\begin{matrix}{X_{c} = {\frac{\left( {{\Delta \; H_{m\; 1}} - {\Delta \; H_{{CH}\; 1}}} \right)}{29} \times 100}} & (2)\end{matrix}$

Table 6 shows the various stretched films had developed crystallinity asresult of strain induced crystallization for materials with differentlevels of TMCD with similar IVs (Materials A2, B2, and C2). The amountof crystallinity developed in the stretch films was higher for a givenmaterial stretched at Tg+20° C. compared to Tg+10° C. For a givenstretching temperature relative to Tg, materials with higher amounts ofTMCD developed less strain induced crystallinity. There was littleeffect of draw ratio from 3 to 4.5 on the amount of crystallinitydeveloped for the various materials and stretching temperature. Higherstretching temperatures relative to Tg allowed the films to be stretchedto higher draw ratios. In summary, PCT films modified by TMCD could beextruded into clear amorphous films that could be subsequently stretchedabove Tg to produce clear semi-crystalline films as a result of straininduced crystallization.

TABLE 6 Amount of strain induced crystallinity (X_(c)) of clearstretched films of PCT modified by TMCD. Film X_(c) (%) X_(c) (%) Mole %Tg IV Stretched at Stretched at Material TMCD (° C.) (dl/g) λ Tg + 10°C. Tg + 20° C. A2 5 98 0.76 3 23.5 A2 5 98 0.76 3.5 24.4 26.8 A2 5 980.76 4.0 22.2 30.2 A2 5 98 0.76 4.5 31.4 B2 10. 101 0.76 3 17.4 B2 10101 0.76 3.5 18.7 23.2 B2 10 101 0.76 4.0 17.9 23.4 B2 10 101 0.76 4.524.7 C2 15 106 0.76 3 8.6 C2 15 106 0.76 3.5 10.5 15.3 C2 15 106 0.764.0 10.7 14.7 C2 15 106 0.76 4.5 14.3

Example 4

This example illustrates that PCT materials modified by TMCD can beinjection molded into an amorphous bottle preform and subsequentlyreheated above Tg and blown into a bottle with clear semi-crystallineside-walls. In addition, this example illustrates that similar levels ofside wall crystallinity are achieved in comparison to PET and PCTmodified by IPA with significantly higher Tm's than PET and PCT modifiedby IPA.

Materials were prepared at 3 levels of TMCD (˜5, 7.5, and 10 mole %)modification to PCT and two IV levels (˜0.72 and ˜0.84 dl/g) in asimilar manner to Examples 2 and 3 by melt blending Tritan™ TX1000 withPCT 13378 and subsequent solid stating. During the melt blending, blackiron oxide at 20 ppm was compounded in to serve as a reheat aid for theblow molding of bottles. In addition, Material G, a commercial gradematerial based on PCT modified by 17 mole % IPA and Material H (Parastar3000), a commercial grade PET material produced by Eastman ChemicalCompany Materials, were used for comparison. All the materials aredescribed in Table 7. Materials were dried and injection molded into 16oz. Boston round preforms using an Arburg injection molding machine atmelt temperatures approximately 20° C. above the Tm of each material.The preforms were all clear and amorphous prior to blow molding. Theamorphous preforms were then reheat blown into 16 oz. Boston roundbottles using a Sidel SBO1 blow molding machine. Bottles were reheatblown at preform surface temperatures approximately 20° C. above Tg foreach material into the blow mold operating at 7° C. All the blownbottles were visually clear. Samples were cut out of the sidewall ofeach bottle and analyzed in a DSC to determine the amount ofcrystallinity that was developed in the blow molding process. Thepercentage of strain induced crystallinity (X_(c)) in the sidewalls ofthe blown bottle was determined by equation (3) from the first heatingscan of films evaluated in a DSC.

$\begin{matrix}{X_{c} = {\frac{\left( {{\Delta \; H_{m\; 1}} - {\Delta \; H_{{CH}\; 1}}} \right)}{29} \times 100}} & (3)\end{matrix}$

The Tm reported in Table 8 was also taken from the first heating scan.Table 8 shows that the PCT materials modified by TMCD (Materials A thruF) developed similar levels of crystallinity in the sidewall incomparison to commercial materials G and H. At these similar levels ofcrystallinity, the PCT modified materials have significantly highermelting points, Tm, than materials commercial materials G and H.

TABLE 7 Materials used in the reheat blow molding of 16 oz. Boston roundbottles. Mole % IV Tg Tm Material TMCD (dl/g) (° C.) (° C.) A 5.2 0.7292 280 B 7.5 0.72 95 276 C 9.5 0.72 98 272 D 4.6 0.85 93 278 E 7.0 0.8598 276 F 9.7 0.83 100 269 G n.a. 0.77 91 262 H n.a. 0.80 78 235

TABLE 8 Amount of strain induced crystallinity (X_(c)) and Tm of blownbottle sidewalls. X_(c) Tm Material (%) (° C.) A 27 282 B 28 279 C 27276 D 30 279 E 27 274 F 25 271 G 31 259 H 30 243

It can be clearly seen from a comparison of the data in the aboverelevant working examples that the polyesters of the present inventionoffer a definite advantage over the commercially available polyesterswith regard to glass transition temperature, density, slowcrystallization rate, melt viscosity, and toughness.

The invention has been described in detail with reference to theembodiments disclosed herein, but it will be understood that variationsand modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A clear, semicrystalline article comprising at least one polyester which comprises: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and iii) 0 to 30 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; and (b) a glycol component comprising: i) 1 to 14 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and ii) 86 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %; wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; wherein said polyester has a Tg of 85 to 115° C.; and wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of greater than zero when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the polyester.
 2. The article of claim 1, wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to less than 1.0 dL/g.
 3. The article of claim 1, wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.80 dL/g.
 4. The article of claim 1, wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.50 to 0.75 dL/g.
 5. The article of claim 1, wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.60 to 0.75 dL/g.
 6. The article of claim 1, wherein said polyester has a crystallization half-time of less than 10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds at 170° C.
 7. The article of claim 1, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 90 to 110° C.
 8. The article of claim 1, wherein the dicarboxylic acid component of the polyester comprises 80 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues.
 9. The article of claim 1, wherein the dicarboxylic acid component of the polyester comprises 90 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues.
 10. The article of claim 1, wherein the dicarboxylic acid component of the polyester comprises 95 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues.
 11. The article of claim 1, wherein the dicarboxylic acid component of the polyester comprises 99 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues.
 12. The article of claim 1, wherein said polyester is blended with at least one polymer chosen from at least one of the following: poly(etherimides), polyesters other than those of claim 1, polyphenylene oxides, poly(phenylene oxide)/polystyrene blends, polystyrene resins, polyphenylene sulfides, polyphenylene sulfide/sulfones, poly(ester-carbonates), polycarbonates, polysulfones; polysulfone ethers, and poly(ether-ketones).
 13. The article of claim 1, wherein said polyester comprises residues of at least one branching agent.
 14. The article of claim 13, wherein said polyester comprises residues of at least one branching agent an amount of 0.01 to 10 weight % based on the total mole percentage of the diacid or diol residues.
 15. The article of claim 1, wherein the yellowness index of said polyester according to ASTM D-1925 is less than
 50. 16. The article of claim 1, wherein the polyester has a b* value of from −10 to less than 10 and a L* value from 50 to 90 according to the L*, a* and b* color system of the CIE (International Commission on Illumination.
 17. A clear strain induced crystallized article according to claim
 1. 18. The article of claim 1 wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 0.8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature above the Tg of the polyester.
 19. The article of claim 1 wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.
 20. The article of claim 1 wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.
 21. The article of claim 1 wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 35% when stretched at a temperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.
 22. The article of claim 1 wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 35% when stretched at a temperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.
 23. The article of claim 1 wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 30% when stretched at a temperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.
 24. The article of claim 1 wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 30% when stretched at a temperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.
 25. A film or sheet according to claim
 1. 26. A bottle according to claim
 1. 27. A fiber according to claim
 1. 28. A clear, semicrystalline, strain induced crystallized article comprising at least one polyester which comprises: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and iii) 0 to 30 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; and (b) a glycol component comprising: i) 1 to 14 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and ii) 86 to 99 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %, and the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %; wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is 0.35 to 1.2 dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C.; and wherein said polyester has a Tg of 85 to 115° C., and a crystallization half-time of less than 10 minutes but greater than about 30 seconds at 170° C.
 29. The article of claim 28, wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to less than 1.0 dL/g.
 30. The article of claim 28, wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.35 to 0.80 dL/g.
 31. The article of claim 28, wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.50 to 0.75 dL/g.
 32. The article of claim 28, wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.60 to 0.75 dL/g.
 33. The article of claim 28, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 90 to 115° C.
 34. The article of claim 28, wherein said polyester has a Tg of 90 to 110° C.
 35. The article of claim 28, wherein the dicarboxylic acid component of the polyester comprises 80 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues.
 36. The article of claim 28, wherein the dicarboxylic acid component of the polyester comprises 90 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues.
 37. The article of claim 28, wherein the dicarboxylic acid component of the polyester comprises 95 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues.
 38. The article of claim 28, wherein the polyester comprises 5 to 14 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues and 86 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues.
 39. The article of claim 28, wherein said polyester comprises ethylene glycol residues.
 40. The article of claim 28, wherein said polyester is blended with at least one polymer chosen from at least one of the following: poly(etherimides), polyesters other than those of claim 28, polyphenylene oxides, poly(phenylene oxide)/polystyrene blends, polystyrene resins, polyphenylene sulfides, polyphenylene sulfide/sulfones, poly(ester-carbonates), polycarbonates, polysulfones; polysulfone ethers, and poly(ether-ketones).
 41. The article of claim 28, wherein said polyester comprises residues of at least one branching agent.
 42. The article of claim 28, wherein said polyester comprises residues of at least one branching agent an amount of 0.01 to 10 weight % based on the total mole percentage of the diacid or diol residues.
 43. The article of claim 28 wherein the yellowness index of said polyester according to ASM D-1925 is less than
 50. 44. The article of claim 28 wherein the polyester has a b* value of from −10 to less than 10 and a L* value from 50 to 90 according to the L*, a* and b* color system of the CIE (International Commission on Illumination.
 45. The article of claim 28 wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 5% to 35% when stretched at a temperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.
 46. The article of claim 28 wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 8% to 35% when stretched at a temperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.
 47. The article of claim 28 wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 35% when stretched at a temperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.
 48. The article of claim 28 wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 35% when stretched at a temperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.
 49. The article of claim 28 wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 30% when stretched at a temperature 10° C. above the Tg of the polyester.
 50. The article of claim 28 wherein said article has a strain induced crystallinity of from 10% to 30% when stretched at a temperature 20° C. above the Tg of the polyester.
 51. A film or sheet according to claim
 28. 52. A bottle according to claim
 28. 53. A fiber according to claim
 28. 